Famous La Jolla tennis player dies

Bill Bond, one of the most talented tennis players ever produced by San Diego, died of pneumonia on Sunday. He was 71.

Bond, who grew up and lived most of his life in La Jolla, won 11 U.S. national titles, most of them as a junior. He was a three-time All-American at USC and later selected to college tennis’ hall of fame.

In 1964, Bond teamed with Dennis Ralston to win the NCAA doubles title.

Bond later became the head teaching pro at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, a position he held for 34 years. Among his students were Terry Holladay, Raul Ramirez and Chico Hagey.

Holladay would reach the top 10.

“Bill had a classic, perfect game from a style standpoint,” said William J. Kellogg, president of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

“He was one my idols as a kid. I was a ball boy for him at the Beach and Tennis Club. He was one of those players I wanted to grow up and be like when I was a kid.”